* When The Bad Plus returns to St. Louis in January to play Jazz at the Bistro for the tenth consecutive year, they'll be adding something new to their musical menu: a free pancake lunch.

More specifically, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, TBP will take part in a free, public performance and discussion at the Bistro that also will feature free "imaginative pancakes" from St. Louis artist/chef Dr. Dan the Pancake Man. Although there's no charge for the event or the pancakes, since space is limited, those wishing to attend are asked to reserve a spot online or call the JSL box office at 314-571-6000.

* Sauce magazine reports that the owners of the recently expanded Broadway Oyster Bar (pictured)will open a second restaurant next year in Grafton, IL. No word yet, though, as to whether or not the new location will feature live music, which has been a staple of the original in downtown St. Louis.

* The Curtain Call Lounge has officially opened in the storefront space on Grand Ave. next to the Fox Theatre. The lounge will open at 5:00 p.m. before evening performances at the Fox, and stay open for two hours afterwards. Management has said they plan to offer occasional live jazz and cabaret music on the weekends.